Sports teams visiting the White House is an age-old tradition and Boston Celtics proudly stepped foot into Joe Biden’s current residence. Tinted green, the White House looked dazzling, and Biden, with a secret service code name: Celtic, welcomed Joe Mazzulla and his team to the South Lawn. With the Celtics winning their 18th NBA championship, it’s a tradition they started when Bill Russell’s 1963 Celtics went to the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy.

However, two jersey numbers caught the eye. The Celtics endowed No. 46 to Biden and No. 18 jerseys to Vice President Kamala Harris. Fans reacted online, curious about why those specific numbers. One user inquisitively asked, “So why isn’t Biden #18?” after Harris received the jersey. Well, according to various reports, there is an interesting narrative.

Significantly, Biden became the 46th President of the United States, hence, handed the #46, while Boston Celtics’ 18th banner symbolizes Kamala Harris’ received jersey number. It’s refreshing to see the thought of gifting these jerseys as Jayson Tatum and Co. enjoyed their visit. The president then gave them a tour of the Oval Office. It’s noteworthy how the Boston Celtics have managed to win at least one championship in eight of the last 13 presidencies. The level of dominance!

Biden also gave them their flowers, by stating, “The Celtics aren’t just a basketball team. They’re a way of life.”

 The President nodded his cap to Joe Mazzulla, the youngest coach to win a title at 35. “Joe’s the youngest head coach to win a title since the great Bill Russell. I told him I used to be the youngest and now I’m the oldest. I liked being the youngest better.” 

Meanwhile, to welcome the team, a band played “Shipping up to Boston” as team owner Wyc Grousbeck joined the White House visit. Other notable dignitaries were Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and some of the state’s congressional delegation. Yet, the fans’ curiosity about those jersey numbers dominated the headlines on social media.

Fans react to unique jerseys gifted to President Joe Biden by Boston Celtics: “Where did that number come from?”

A user reiterated, “Why does Harris get number 18?”. Another tweeted, “Biden # 46 for POTUS #46. Harris #18…. Where did that number come from?” As we mentioned, the Celtics’ 18th banner symbolizes the jersey number. Since the LA Lakers fetched their 17th ring in 2020, Boston had eyes locked in for the 18th. They had an opportunity in 2022. But, Stephen Curry and Co. bulldozed their way to a 7th NBA title. Not this time, though! Mazzulla and Co. made sure that it was their team’s colors being raised to the rafters.

White House visits are special for a team, but there are instances where teams decide not to visit the White House. The Golden State Warriors in particular in 2017 and 2018 did not receive an invitation to the White House after stating weeks prior they were not interested. Yet, one user believed it’s a tradition, by quoting, “It doesn’t matter what president is in office it’s tradition grow up.”

Nevertheless, some fans didn’t love the White House visit of the Boston Celtics, stating, “You lost me here. Sad day for Boston fans.” One individual who loved the visit was Derrick White, who cited, according to AP, “I didn’t really know what to expect. I walked in, I was like ‘I’m more excited than I thought I was going be.” All in all, it’s an eventful day for the Boston Celtics franchise. They have started the season strongly and hope to visit the White House again in the future.